QQQ vs SMIG
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SMIG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.60% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $1.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.80% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 41 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +14.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +13.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +14.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +7.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 16.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -19.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Advisors Asset Management, Inc. | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Aug 25, 2021 |
QQQ vs SMIG Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF (SMIG) is a ETF from Advisors Asset Management, Inc.. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SMIG returned +13.24%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 14.45% for SMIG.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +14.14% for SMIG; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +7.71% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +7.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 16.2% for SMIG. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -83.0% for QQQ and -19.6% for SMIG. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SMIG charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $60 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 1.80% for SMIG.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SMIG share 0 holdings out of 139 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SMIG?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SMIG charges 0.60%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SMIG?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +13.24% for SMIG, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +7.71% for SMIG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SMIG?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.2% for SMIG. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SMIG -19.6%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SMIG?
QQQ and SMIG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SMIG?
QQQ and SMIG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 139 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SMIG?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SMIG yields 1.80%, so SMIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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